The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) requests information on Long-Term Field Evaluation Program Concept, NIOSH Docket Number NIOSH-101.

The information contained in this document is still in draft form and as such should not be considered as a final statement of NIOSH policy.

Long-Term Field Evaluation Program Concept

The Long-Term Field Evaluation (LTFE) program for self-contained self-rescuers (SCSRs) for miners was initiated more than 20 years ago by the U.S. Bureau of Mines. The objective for the LTFE program is to obtain data to determine the expected performance characteristics of SCSRs used in the mining industry. LTFE program results based on scientific principles can provide useful information to monitor expected SCSR performance and assess possible degradation due to the physical stresses of in-mine use. Of utmost concern is the successful performance of any SCSR that passes its inspection criteria specified by the manufacturer. It is such apparatus that must be relied upon in an emergency.

• LTFE Program Concept
• TEB-STP-LTFE ABMS
• Data Analysis
• Individual Mine Testing Report
• Initial Reporting Form
• LTFE Annual Report
• LTFE Sampling Plan and Statistical Considerations (February 2007)

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Comments will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. EDT on May 18, 2007

To submit comments regarding these draft publications, please use one of these options:

• Send comments by email.  
  
  
• Fax comments to the NIOSH Docket Office: 513-533-8285
  
  
• Send by Mail to:
  NIOSH Mailstop: C-34
  Robert A. Taft Lab.
  4676 Columbia Parkway
  Cincinnati, Ohio 45226